Abstract nouns are words that represent ideas, qualities, states, or conditions rather than physical objects. They are formed from other parts of speech, such as verbs, adjectives, and nouns. Here are some common rules of formation for abstract nouns:
1. Adding suffixes: One of the most common ways to form abstract nouns is by adding specific suffixes to existing words. Some common suffixes used to form abstract nouns include:
- "-tion" (e.g., creation, information, celebration)
- "-ment" (e.g., improvement, development, achievement)
- "-ness" (e.g., happiness, kindness, goodness)
- "-ity" (e.g., creativity, curiosity, integrity)
- "-ism" (e.g., optimism, patriotism, racism)
2. Conversion of adjectives: Some adjectives can be converted into abstract nouns by changing the ending. For example:
- Happy (adjective) becomes happiness (abstract noun).
- Beautiful (adjective) becomes beauty (abstract noun).
3. Conversion of verbs: Certain verbs can be converted into abstract nouns by changing the ending. For example:
- Create (verb) becomes creation (abstract noun).
- Love (verb) becomes love (abstract noun).
4. Gerunds: Gerunds are verb forms ending in "-ing" that function as nouns. They can represent activities or actions, making them abstract nouns. For example:
- Running (gerund) represents the activity of running.
- Singing (gerund) represents the action of singing.
5. Irregular formations: Some abstract nouns do not follow a specific pattern and must be learned individually. For example:
- Child (noun) becomes childhood (abstract noun).
- Brother (noun) becomes brotherhood (abstract noun).
It's essential to note that the rules of forming abstract nouns can be flexible and may vary based on the language and context. Some abstract nouns may have multiple formations or may not follow any specific pattern at all. As you encounter new words, you'll become more familiar with how abstract nouns are formed in different contexts.
